General Questions

The Assessor's Office determines the value of all taxable real and personal property within Clark County. From time to time, you may have questions about the many areas where our work touches your life. We've collected the most commonly asked questions that we receive from taxpayers, organized them and answered those for you.

In some cases we may refer you to another department or Elected Official Office within the County with whom we work closely to get your answer. Below is a list of topics and the department that handles those questions.

If after reviewing this information, or the questions in our FAQ you still need help, please contact us at 564.397.2391.

The County Assessor's primary purpose is to determined the value of all real and personal property within the County to ensure an equitable distribution of tax liabilities for property owners in the various taxing districts within the County.

To ensure this is done, the Assessor and his/her deputies:

Maintain building and property characteristics

Analyze market data for property values

Uniformly assess property at 100% of market value

Administer programs for tax relief

Process property ownership changes

Maintain parcel boundary maps

Who do I contact with questions about property values and taxes?

If you have questions about the value or the characteristics of your property, please call one of our review appraisers at 564.397.2391, option 5, then 1. In-person meetings should be scheduled in advance. If you have questions about the taxes on your property, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 564.397.2252. If you want to appeal your value, please call the Clark County Board of Equalization at 360.397.2337.

What is the Board of Equalization?

The Board of Equalization is an impartial citizen board that hears property value disputes and sets the assessed value. The board is located at 1300 Franklin Street, Suite 650. You can call them at 360.397.2337 for additional information or to request forms.

When do I file the BOE petition?

Petitions must be filed with the BOE within 60 days after your notice of value was mailed. To protect your right to appeal, we recommend you file a petition while working with a review appraiser. If you are satisfied with the results of your work with the review appraiser, the petition may be withdrawn.

How is an appeal processed?

After filing a timely appeal, one of our review appraisers from the Assessor's Office will examine the appraisal and review your petition to make a final determination. If you still disagree, a hearing before the Board of Equalization will be scheduled. The board reviews sales evidence submitted by you and the review appraiser, and sets a final value.

Why don't I have a "previous value" on my notice of value?

The notice will show no previous value if the parcel size or acreage has changed or, in the case of mobile homes, the property was not in the county the previous year.

In Clark County, GIS is also the acronym for the department that manages the the software and geographic data/information for all property within the County. The services and products they provide are available to the public and to government entities in the region from their website.

How do I contact the Assessor's Office?

Our office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday- Friday. You may call us from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday- Friday at 564.397.2391, or e-mail us at assessor@clark.wa.gov, or visit our office on the second floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA. Our mailing address is Clark County Assessor's Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000.

What does HB2242 mean to taxpayers?

The Washington Legislature recently passed House Bill 2242, an act to fully fund basic K-12 education by reforming state and local education contributions. A new two-step funding mechanism will be put in place in 2018 and 2019. Click here to find out more.